sport news Premier League top four race goes to the wire as Tottenham and Chelsea look to ...

The race for the Premier League top four has been unpredictable all season and continues on ahead of the penultimate round of fixtures with four teams still jockeying for two spots.

Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are all desperate to secure Champions League football through league position - even though both Chelsea and Arsenal could book their place by winning the Europa League this month.  

Sportsmail assesses the four teams fighting it out and how their remaining fixtures could shape the final league standings. 

Manchester United face a real battle to finish the season inside the Premier League top four

Manchester United face a real battle to finish the season inside the Premier League top four

Arsenal are two points adrift of Chelsea but form away from home could cost the Gunners

Arsenal are two points adrift of Chelsea but form away from home could cost the Gunners

Three points separate Chelsea in fourth and Manchester United in sixth with two games left

Three points separate Chelsea in fourth and Manchester United in sixth with two games left

Tottenham  

Current league position: 3rd (70 points)

REMAINING GAMES 

Saturday, May 4: Bournemouth (A)

Sunday, May 12: Everton (H) 

Had Michail Antonio not fired West Ham to victory at Tottenham's new stadium last week, Mauricio Pochettino and his players could have put all their focus on the Champions League.

Down 1-0 to Ajax after their semi-final first leg in north London, Spurs still need to mathematically secure a place in the top four - ideally the top three - with a result away to Bournemouth this weekend before turning attention back to exploits in Europe. 

Given they hold a four point lead over bitter rivals Arsenal, victory for Tottenham on the south coast will ensure Champions League football for next season.

Losing four of their last seven Premier League games remains a concern but given their advantage over rivals, one win from two games is enough to seal a place in Europe's premier club competition next year. 

Mauricio Pochettino knows one more win will secure a top four finish for his Tottenham side

Mauricio Pochettino knows one more win will secure a top four finish for his Tottenham side

Four defeats in their last seven league games is a concern ahead of the trip to Bournemouth

Four defeats in their last seven league games is a concern ahead of the trip to Bournemouth

Tottenham hit Eddie Howe's side for five earlier this season but Bournemouth's 4-0 home win over Chelsea - their only home win against Spurs' top six rivals this season - should serve as a reminder against complacency. 

Players would be forgiven for having one eye on Wednesday night's semi-final second-leg in Amsterdam but defeat at Bournemouth could see them welcome Everton with just a point keeping them inside the top four. 

Everton and Bournemouth could be accused of having little else left to play for this season but both will want to remain competitive before departing for post-season holidays. 

Victory against Bournemouth would both secure Champions League football - vital given the costs of the new stadium - and act as a real momentum boost ahead of the biggest game in their history against Ajax.  

Chelsea

Current league position: 4th (68 points) 

REMAINING GAMES 

Sunday, May 5: Watford (H)

Sunday, May 12: Leicester City (A) 

Despite the turmoil and frustrations since Maurizio Sarri took charge, Chelsea have steadied the ship in recent weeks and are now in pole position to finish fourth. 

They welcome Watford to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the final home league game of the season knowing a victory will take them to within touching distance of clinching Champions League football for 2019-20. 

While Watford will be looking to build some momentum ahead of the FA Cup final, their record away to Chelsea's top six rivals will provide little hope ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge.

Javi Gracia's side have lost all five games, conceding 14 goals and scoring just three goals - away to Tottenham, Manchester United and Manchester City. 

By avoiding defeat at Manchester United, Chelsea are in pole position for fourth right now

By avoiding defeat at Manchester United, Chelsea are in pole position for fourth right now

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard 

A brace from Eden Hazard sealed three points in a 2-1 win at Vicarage Road earlier this season and home fans will hope

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